NEARLY all of those aged over 80 have received their first Covid-19 vaccination in Kendal.

Dr Ed Clarke, a local GP and clinical director for Kendal Primary Care Network (PCN), revealed that the James Cochrane, Station House and Captain French GP surgeries, which make up the local PCN, have managed to vaccinate nearly all of their patients that are over 80 or reside in a care home.

The surgeries are now well under way with the second phase of the vaccination programme which involves vaccinating the over 75s.

“We are really pleased with the progress of the vaccination programme in Kendal so far,” said Dr Clarke.

“Since we began vaccinating patients on December 22 we have managed to vaccinate nearly all of our patients that are over 80 and care home residents.

“We have started vaccinating patients over 75 that are housebound and are unable to come to our surgery.

“This means that we are now able to start inviting patients over 75 to come for their vaccine which is a really positive position to be in and we look forward to inviting the next cohort groups as soon as possible.

“Our teams are working hard and keeping up with the deliveries of the vaccine to ensure that we protect patients from coronavirus as fast as we can.”

Dr Clarke said that patients have received the vaccine with much relief and that staff are enjoying their role in delivering the largest vaccination programme in the UK’s history.

“The patients that we have vaccinated so far have been really pleased and grateful to receive their vaccine and are looking forward to receiving their second dose,” he said.

“Our staff are enjoying being involved in what it is the largest vaccination programme in our history and we are asking the public to continue to play their part in following all the guidance to control the virus and save lives, including those who have already had their vaccine.”

He also advised those aged over 80, who have not yet received their first dose, to contact their local GP practice to arrange an appointment.

“Across Kendal there are just a few remaining patients over 80 that we have been unable to contact by telephone so we are writing to those patients now,” said Dr Clarke.

“If you or a member of your family living in Kendal is over 80 and haven’t yet been invited for your vaccine, please contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment.

“For everyone else under 80, we ask that you wait to be contacted by the NHS.”